Gastric Emptying

How to prepare for your test:

Don’t eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your exam.  Also, don’t take medications for 12 hours prior to exam. 

Let the Nuclear Medicine Department know if you are allergic to eggs or are on an egg-free (vegan) diet and/or you are diabetic.

How long will the test take?

About 2 hours.

What is the purpose of the test?

The test is used to diagnose abnormal emptying of food from the stomach.  It is usually done when a patient has continued nausea and vomiting, which are signs that the stomach is not emptying normally.

How is the test performed?

You will consume a meal of solid food and a beverage mixed with a small amount of radioactive material.  Your meal will normally consist of two scrambled eggs, two slices of bread, and a regular soft drink. If, however, you are allergic to eggs or are on an egg-free diet, the test cannot be performed.

A scanner will be placed over your stomach and a 1-minute image will be taken.  Then, additional 1-minute images will be taken at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours post-meal consumption. 

How to register:

Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to register (unless you are instructed differently).  See the following schedule for guidance on where to register.  You will need to show a copy of your insurance card and driver’s license each time you register.

Where to register: